Jerry Brotherton Poet Free verse

A Retail Life

They trudged through the side entrance
past the wall of Pepsi products
down the aisle between
beauty aids and bedding,
passing stacks of toilet paper
‘As Seen on TV’ and sporting goods
deeper into the insatiable appetite
of American consumerism
They entered through the door marked
DO NOT ENTER!
climbed the stairs to exchange their freedom
for a badge number and a pricing gun
to trade their free-will for numbness
They are now doomed to lurk up and down
those never ending corridors
seeking, probing…forever searching
for the end of another work day

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Caren Krutsinger August 22, 2023 at 1:26 AM I had to snicker a bit because almost everyone I know has entered this door "They entered through the door marked DO NOT ENTER!" hahahaha - including me! Jerry Brotherton August 22, 2023 at 9:15 AM Before I worked in retail, I was always intrigued by the doors that seemingly led to nowhere. I never thought about them leading me into the 'belly of the beast'.

Sara Kendrick August 18, 2023 at 3:49 PM In a way very sad but I think most people in jobs like that find a way to make it a little more interesting and fun. Thanks for sharing this one with us..Sara Jerry Brotherton August 19, 2023 at 2:27 PM You're right, Sara. As the manager of a big box store, we tried to keep our employees excited with monthly lunches, daily recognition, etc. but boring is still boring. But it's that way with almost any job. I guess that's why they call it work.

Jan Allison August 18, 2023 at 2:17 PM A thought provoking piece jerry so much goes on behind the scenes and everyone plays an important role. I especially love the lines after do not enter and the imagery of the supermarket products too:-) hugs Jan xx Jerry Brotherton August 19, 2023 at 2:23 PM Jan, I worked for 6 years in retail just before retirement. But probably every job has its downside. Thanks for reading.